Aims to play 2021 World Cup

Wearing a beige salwar kameez with tinges of pink and matching jhumka, Mithali Raj looked resplendent and exuded finesse. The Indian women’s cricket team captain was speaking at the Rio Tinto’s Australian diamonds programme that partnered with Joyalukkas to launch an exclusive collection of jewellery made with diamonds from Argyle mines in Western Australia and roped in Mithali Raj as the official ambassador. She spoke to The Hans India on jewellery and cricket of course!

On dressing up

I like to dress up well, it is important for me how I carry myself and should be comfortable in what I wear. My mother too insists that I dress up well. At family gatherings I go with carefree attitude and I love to let my hair loose. But during formal events one needs to follow too many protocols.

Unlike past, where women used to don heavy jewellery, now every occasion calls for adorning special designer ornament. Times have changed and designer jewellery has become a huge industry offering to choose from a variety of ornaments for every occasion. There is jewellery for every occasion, be it a marriage party, a social event and complementing western wear. I like to wear jewellery but do not find time as I am on the field for most part.

On wearing bridal jewellery

That would have to wait. At the moment, I just want to focus on the game and plan for the T 20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies in November. I am totally focused and as a player and captain I have responsibility and set goals. Jewellery yes, bridal jewellery can wait, she said with a chuckle.

On jewellery

I may as well get into jewellery business in the future. I like wearing jewellery but once I am done, jewellery business can be an option. Setting up an academy is also another option but that needs a lot of infrastructure. All these are far-fetched ideas, at the moment all my energies are directed to just cricket.

Years left in cricket

I will have to see how my body can push. I have no immediate plans of quitting. One of my aims is to get a direct entry into the ICC Championships in 2021. The last time we missed out on crucial points as we could not play against Pakistan and even this time the chances do not seem bright. Those six points are crucial.

Relationship with Purnima Rau

I played under her and was a part of the team that she was coaching. Both of us are from Hyderabad and I have had a decent relationship with her. Everyone cannot be a best friend.

On Parade Grounds

There was a time when one could see so many matches being played at Parade Grounds but that is now a distant memory. I remember when people would stop by near the bus stop and watch cricket. We need to have more matches.

On women’s cricket

Women’s cricket has come a long way. Youngsters today have more facilities. Women’s cricket will only get better as more matches are telecast and more opportunities are being provided.

BY T P Venu